a dedicated safe space for the LGBTQ+ community
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a dedicated safe space for the LGBTQ+ community ✩
Queer Soul Academy
The Church of Queer Soul Academy is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Spiritual Organization that promotes Spirituality, Yoga, Holistic Wellness, and Permaculture to uplift humanity, and creates a dedicated safe space for the LGBTQIA+ Community in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Incorporated on Sunday, October 12th, 2025.
Our Vision:
As board members, we envision Queer Soul Academy first and foremost as a dedicated safe space for members of marginalized communities. We plan to invest in land in Northeast Ohio and create a transformative sanctuary where Yoga retreats, holistic wellness education, and permaculture gardens come together to cultivate community around growth and healing. Our space will be dedicated to fostering queer connection, empowerment, and environmental sustainability, offering members of the LGBTQIA+ community a safe, inclusive environment for work-trade opportunities and lifestyle enrichment. Through mindfulness practices and environmental stewardship, the Queer Soul Academy supports folx in embracing their authentic selves and nurturing their body, mind, and spirit, in harmony with the Earth.
Core Values:
Community - the heart of everything we do.
Gratitude - for the blessings as well as the opportunities to grow.
Integrity - showing up steadily with commitment to our mission.
Ahimsa (Non-violence) - we are ethically rooted in Yoga Philosophy.
Authenticity - radical honesty and transparency is our style.
Scroll down to meet our team.
Who We Are:
Board Chair + Executive Director: Lee Devi (they/ them)
When I was growing up, I didn’t have any LGBTQ+ role models, and I didn’t know it was okay to be myself. Through over a decade of Yoga practice, deep spiritual study, and living a Yogic lifestyle, I continue to unravel layer after layer of subconscious conditioning and illusions. And somewhere along the way, I decided to become the role model of my own dreams. Today, I’m out and proud as a queer and nonbinary human who uses they/ them pronouns.
I’m also a Yoga Instructor, Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Transformational Retreat Facilitator, Intuitive Astrologer, and Podcaster. I am a devotee of the Divine within all beings, and aim to be of service to the Earth and all her creatures.
My sankalpa, or intention, for the Queer Soul Academy is to create a dedicated safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and all humankind. As well as offer a space of learning for all to share information and uplift humanity.
Director of Operations, Maintenance, + Animal Welfare: Stormi Beers (she/ they)
Born and raised here in Ohio. I’ve grown up surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes, which has given me a deep passion for not only caring for them but also helping people. I’ve spent much of my career working in the manufacturing industry, operating heavy equipment and taking on maintenance roles. I plan to bring that experience to help maintain and care for the grounds, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely. Along with my hands-on background, I hope to use my knowledge and love for animals to make sure they receive proper care and to help educate others on their needs. My goal is to help create a space where everyone can gather, connect, and feel free to be themselves without fear or worry of judgment.
Secretary + Treasurer: Paige Altemare (she/ they)
A native Clevelander, I've earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from CWRU, and have worked in manufacturing, project management, web development, data analysis, and finance. Alongside my professional experience, I've been a yogi for over a decade, a lifelong environmentalist, and world traveler inspired by diverse cultures and new ideas. As a queer person and dedicated activist, I hope to create inclusive spaces rooted in connection, equity, and collective liberation. In my role as Treasurer and Secretary, I bring a blend of organizational skills, thoughtful strategy, and creative problem solving, fueled by my passion for holistic wellness, sustainability, and uplifting others.
Director of Community Outreach, Networking + Fundraising: Sydney Syd (she/ her)
I have traveled around the land meeting all kinds of people and living on various farms. I love being in nature, taking care of the land, growing plants and cooking really good, healthy food. I love helping people with a strong sense of empathy and the knowledge and awareness I've cultivated through a lifetime of traveling, study, and meditation. Together we can truly make a positive impact on the world around us and I'm grateful we all have this opportunity to live naturally and heal ourselves and the Earth. We are all one!
Fundraising Goals:
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This first goal is crucial as it is helping to cover our start-up costs including incorporation fees, legal fees, and accounting fees. A large chunk of this will also go toward our down payment on property.
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At this point, we will have sufficient funds to close on property. We are aiming to invest in 15-30 acres of land somewhere in Northeast Ohio, preferably with multiple structures already on the land - but we plan to add additional small structures for camping and retreats. This second goal will provide us with enough funding for a property down payment, land surveying and inspection fees, and closing costs.
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Once we have secured property, we will use this additional funding to improve the land. We will be making eco-friendly investments for our retreat and event center, such as: composting toilets, solar power, permaculture food forests, and domes for eco-friendly glamping.
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Additional funding for continuing to invest in animals, land and accommodation enrichment, insurance, and emergencies. If any funds remain after paying expenses, they will be allocated to a scholarship fund to help make our services and events more affordable community members in need.
Donate
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Donate ✩
Help us make this REAL!
Contact us to schedule a meeting.
Point of contact: Lee Devi
queersoulacademy@gmail.com
Northeast Ohio, USA